Customers Gain as MVC Adjusts Service Hours July 31Move to improve customer convenience with extended weekday/Saturday service

(TRENTON) – New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator Raymond P. Martinez today announced that the MVC will adjust its hours of operation to better reflect customer trends and convenience. Effective July 31, all MVC Agencies will change to a Tuesday through Saturday operation schedule with late nights on Tuesday and Thursday until 7:30 p.m. and weekend hours extended to 1:00 p.m. – a move that will also save the state approximately $4 million.

“With everything we do, we see ourselves similar to any other retail operation,” said Martinez. “It is not only important for us to properly cover business costs, but also maintain the flexibility to adjust to the changing needs of our customers. The move to reinstate evening hours and extend Saturday operations is a reflection of our desire to be available when it is most convenient for the customer.”

Prior to its decision, the MVC reviewed transaction data and compared lower volume Monday hours to half-day Saturday operations. It was determined that, in a four-hour period, agencies conducted 20,000 more transactions annually on the weekend. Additionally, the MVC has received customer suggestions over the years noting that even greater convenience could be provided by adding more hours on Saturday or extending weekday services. After a 14-year absence, the MVC reinstituted its 8:00 a.m. to noon, Saturday hours in January 2004 to enhance service as recommended by the Fix DMV Commission.

“We have one of the strongest, most dedicated workforces in state government,” said Martinez. “Their commitment to customer service, coupled with the convenience of additional weekday and weekend hours, will go a long way in benefiting the public.”

In addition to agency hour changes, walk-in services offered at select agencies for suspension and surcharge issues will be provided during weekdays only beginning July 31.

Over nearly a decade, the MVC has continued to focus on projects and initiatives that improve the MVC’s ability to provide its core services of driver licensing and vehicle titling, registration and inspection. Along with the opening of several modernized agencies, decentralization of key services and expanded online service, the MVC is updating technology critical to its operations. The MVC is presently in the midst of overhauling its core computer system, which is slated for completion in 2012, as well as its driver testing system, which is expected to go live in fall 2010. Work is also underway on the next generation of Digital Driver License (DDL), which will bring even greater security and utilize enhanced technology to prevent fraud and abuse.

“With more than 25 million customer contacts each year, it is absolutely essential that our operations allow us to serve the public in the most efficient and effective manner possible,” added Martinez. “From our service hours and facilities to our technology upgrades and security enhancements, we are making investments that will help us meet the needs of our customers well into the future.”